GOP lawmakers issue letter to Colorado Department of Education

Express concerns over political flier included in back-to-school packet

Today, two veteran voices in education at the state capitol sent a letter to Robert Hammond, Colorado’s Commissioner of Education, expressing concerns over a political flier included in Prairie View High School’s back-to-school packets. The letter asks the commissioner to remind all school district administrators of the existing policies prohibiting such practices.

“School districts don't intend to violate the law, but they are not always informed about what type of political information they can pass on to their parent communities,” said Senator Nancy Spence, R-Centennial. “I believe it is critical that each district fully understand the policies prohibiting such activities.”

Chairman of the House Education Committee Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs, said “"In these days of limited resources, we would hope that schools would direct those resources to the classroom, not focus on the promotion of politics."

The full text of the letter is below:



July 20, 2011

Mr. Robert Hammond
Commissioner of Education
Colorado Department of Education
201 East Colfax, Room 500
Denver, CO 80203

Dear Commissioner Hammond:

Last week the principal at Prairie View High School in Brighton’s district 27J sent out two political flyers as part of a back-to-school information packet for parents. One of the flyers was a promotion for Sen. Rollie Heath’s proposed ballot measure to raise state taxes. This has been confirmed by the district superintendent, Rod Blunck.

The flyer was brought to the public’s attention by a parent who received it. We have no way to know if similar political flyers have been included in packets sent to parents by other schools in Colorado.

We suggest that each summer, as back-to-school packets are prepared and back-to-school events planned, CDE remind all school district administrators of the existing policies prohibiting such practices. Moreover, should Sen. Heath’s proposal qualify for the November ballot, administrators may benefit from a reminder of state policies affecting political activity on school property.

Please let us know what actions you plan to take to discourage improper political activities by school administrators and school employees.

Sincerely,

Sen. Nancy Spence
Senate Education Committee

Rep. Tom Massey
Chairman, House Education Committee